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. COLOMBO, 

A Drama in Four Acts, 

BY aVE. KOSS, 
Descriptive of the Struggles and Triumphs 



OF THE 



DISCOYEKEE OF AMERICA. 



PRICE 2^ CENTS, 



ARGUS STEAM PRINT, 
ALPENA, MICH 

1895. 




33^/^' 



^^' 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 



King Ferdinand 

Colombo ,-P ^ { * L 

Duke of Sidonia . 1\ 7 ? ^ 

Don Garcia — Friend of Sidonia 

Don Manuel — Rival of Garcia 

Bobadilla — Enemy of Colombo 

Santangel — Treasurer of Arragon 

Talavera — Queen's Confessor 

Fr. Martinez — Enemy of Colombo 

Fr. Perez de Marchena — Friend to Colombo 

Fr. Deza — Prior of Salamanca 

Beppo — Servant to Colombo 

Guevara — Servant to Bobadilla 

Gutierrez — Passenger to Cipango 

Sailors, Courtiers, etc. 

Queen Isabella 

Donna Margarita de Cell — Maid of Honor. 



Copyrighted, 1895, by A. E. Ross. 
All Rights of Translation and Stage Presentation Reserved. 



COLOMBO. 



ACT r. 

Scene I. — A Street in Cordova. 

Enter Duke of Sidonia, Fr. Martinez, r. 
Garcia l. 

Sidon. — Garcia, welcome home. 'Tis to be hoped 
That fair Seville has showered her best upon 
Your head, to compensate Cordova for 
Her loss at your departure. 

Garc. — Your grace's present smile denotes that I 
Have been the loser. Good Sevillian wine 
May cheer the ennuyed soul, and fair 
Sevillian maids may make us wish we had 
A thousand hearts; but old Cordova is 
The centre of this earth and gay Sidonia is 
The sun which gives Cordova light. 

Fr. Mart. — Your grace, from morn to eve you, doubt- 
less, hear 
The song of parasites as chanted by 
Our noble dons; but none can strike the lyre 
With such consummate skill 
As Don Garcia. He could even coin 
A compliment for mad Colombo. 

Garc. — Colombo! Who is he? 

Sidon. — The crazy Genoese who claims 
The earth is round. He talks so glib upon 
His favorite theme that even wise men 
Listen and believe. 

Fr. Mart. — Which means that wisdom, as enshrined 
In gay Sidonia, worshipped at the feet 
Of mad Colombo. 

)Sido7i. — A Solomon would listen while he talks 
And, listening, would forget his wisdom. 
My cousin of Celi, as wise a man 



COLOMBO. Act I. 



As lives in all Castile, became his dupe, 
And fed the rogue for two full years. 
No wonder, then, that giddy young 
Sidonia, too, forgot the little wisdom that 
The priests have left him. 

Garc. — The Genoese! Is this the dreaming sage 
On whom King John of Portugal once tried 
To steal a march? 

Sidon — The same. And yet a scurvy trick it was 
For royalty to play. If I forgot 
My wisdom, John forgot his rank, and I 
Would rather bear the name of noble fool, 
Than be a fool and royal knave, to boot, 

Garc. — Your grace may think it strange to hear 
Garcia say that, though Colombo is 
To me unknown, I give him credit for 
A knowlege greater far than that of those 
Who jeer and titter as he passes by. 

If'r. Mart. — Is Saul among the prophets? Gay 
Garcia taken captive by the strolling 
Mountebatik! Will wonders ever cease? 
Your grace resigned the cap and bells to deck 
This new Colombo's fool. 

Garc. — The wit of priests is often like their prayers, 
So pointless that the hearers heed it not; 
Or, if 'tis heard it is o'erlooked, because, ^ 
Like men of old, "they know not what they do." 

Sidon. — A truce to this, good friends. Sharp wit, 
Like yours, is like the tiger's claw, — it hurts. 
Not only when it strikes, but leaves 
A rankling wound behind. How come you, good 
Garcia, thus to speak of one who follows 
What the learned call delusions, — 
Vain hallucinations which, if followed, 
Lead to madness? 

Garc. — I am not learned, like his reverence here, 
And cannot always give such reasons for 
My thoughts as sages skilled in science do. 
But I have read and heard of wondrous things 
Seen far from any land upon the great 
Atlantic,— wood unlike the kinds which grow 
In any country known to man, great canes 
Which held four quarts of wine from joint to joint; 



Scene I. COLOMBO. 



And on the island Flores men were washed 
Ashore, broad-faced and copper-colored, different 
In race from any seen before or since. 
Beyond the Azores St. Brandani lies, — 
Mysterious island of the trackless sea. 
And other signs denote that lands unknown, 
Great continents, mayhaps, are waiting, 
To enrich the man who dares to penetrate 
The vast unseen. 

Fr. Mart. — For legends wild, like these, the wise 
Garcia pins his faith on mad Colombo. 

Gave. — For legends wilder far than these 
Wise priests have pinned their faith 
On ankles neat and faces fair. 

Sidon. — Garcia has your reverence there. 
Your fair Huelva'sfeet are running 
In his mind. But, good Garcia, think you this 
Enough to pit against experience 
In the past and all the gathered knowledge of 
This learned age? 

Garc. — Our royal mistress sent me once 
To Denmark on important business. There 
I heard strange tales of great adventures on 
The western seas. I met an aged sailor there, 
Whose father once had sailed from Iceland, south 
And west until he came to land, — 
A continent, he said, both rich and fair. 
And there he met some natives, copper-colored men, 
Of splendid bearing. Grapes and fruits. 
Of many new delicious kinds, grew wild. 
He shewed me trinkets and a copper 
Hatchet, brought from that far distant land. 
In truth, I heard and saw so much that, faith, 
I now believe the so-called mad Colombo 
Is the sanest man in all Castile. 

Fr. Mart. — There goes he now and with him is 
The ancient cobbler fool, who loves the ground 
He treads upon, — a fit companion for 
The sanest madman seen in all Castile. 

Sidon. — His father's servant, so he says. 
But have you heard the news, my good Garcia? 
War is now declared and swords like brave 
Garcia's soon will find a sheath 



6 COLOMBO. Act I. 

In Moorish hearts before Granada's walls. 

Garc. —Good news, by our St Ferdinand. 
I leave your grace, to see the king and offer him 
My service 'gainst the Moorish dogs. 

\^Exeunt Garcia R. — Sidonia and Fr. Martinez i.] 

Scene II — Room in royal palace. 

Queen Isabella and Donna Margarita Celi dis- 
covered. 

Queen. — Art glad that Don Garcia has returned 
From fair Seville? Thou need'st not blush 
Our Margarita fair. We more than once 
Have seen his glances fixed on thee, 
When royal eyes were turned away to give 
Him favor. By our halidoni, a maiden may 
Be proud of such a knight as he. 
Art glad petit ^} 

Marg. [pouting) — I heard Don Manuel assert 
That half the maidens of Seville were courted by 
The don, and that the other half 
Were angry with the favored ones. 

Queen. — It needs no sage to know Don Manuel 
Was sure that you could hear. He likes not Don 
Garcia, nor would let this rumor lose 
Its pith, by him rehearsed, when, you were near. 
He comes this morning for an audience. 

Marg. — And will your highness need 
My presence vvhile he's here? 

Queen — Ma chere, you need not run like 
Frightened deer from such a hunter. 
Father Martinez and Senor Bobadilla come 
With him along. And here they are. 

l£Jnter Fr. Martinez, Manuel and Bobadilla l.] 

Queen. — We welcome you. sir priest, and you, 
Our noble friends. We hope our royal greeting 
Finds you now in health. What would you, gentlemen? 

Man. — We thank yonr majesty, and trust 
That we may go away with hearts as light 
As when we came, and that our mission here 
May raeet with royal favor. 



Scene II. COLOMBO. 



Queen — We see no reason why your hopes 
Should not be gratified. Such faithful subjects 
Would not ask their queen for aught, unless 
It tended to the public weal. Speak out 
At once, for business presses on our time. 

Man. — We hope to merit all your highness says. 
It is because the public weal is threatened 
That we come. This Genoese, Colombo, causes 
Fretful ferment in the public mind. 
The people view his presence with displeasure, 
Fearing, should his prayer be granted, 
All the heavy burdens which will fall 
Upon the state. 

Queen {frowning). — We had not meant the tax 
To fall upon the public purse were our 
Approval granted to Colombo's plans. 
What has the learned prior heard 
Regarding this? 

Fr. Mart. — Your gracious majesty, a humble 
Servant of the church pays little heed 
To any of these earthly squabbles. 
Higher duties claim our notice first. 
And yet, your majesty, the words Don IVTanuel 
Has spoken can be heard on every corner. 
Men are restless, shake their heads 
And mutter discontentment when they meet. 
The war has added to the imposts laid. 
Upon their lauds and, though they grudge 
Not this, because they look upon it as 
A holy war to free the country from 
The curse of Moslem dogs, they fear 
Such added tax as may be laid 
To gratify this crazy Genoese. 
But this is not the worst. There is a deeper and 
More dreadful fear upon the people's minds. 

Queen — Go on, sir prior. Why this pause? 
Castile is dear to Isabella's heart, 
And never yet has Isabella slighted 
What concerns her subjects' weal. Speak, sir, 
At once and say what further ills they dream. 

Fr. Mart. — I ,jaused, your majesty, because I feel 
That what they dread is but a groundless fear. 
But by your royal order I must speak. 



COLOMBO. Act I. 



They tell in whispers dreadful stories 
Of Atlantic horrors, — tales which sailors 
Have recited in their ears, of ships 
Which sailed far out into the west, 
And never more were seen. And this 
Lies heavier on their hearts than anj' fear 
Of money tax. The latter they would 
Freely give to their beloved queen; but, if 
Colombo's suit should win, they ask with fear 
Who are to be the doomed companions of 
His voyage wild. 'Tis this, your majesty, 
Which stirs their fears; 'twas this which made 
Me pause before you ordered me to speak. 

Queen — And Seiior Bobadilia, what has he 
To say regarding good Colombo? 

Boh. — Your majesty, a blunt man speaks 
As blunt meu think. I like not this Colombo, nor 
His quest. He's but a foreigner, at best, 
A mere adventurer, who roves from court 
To court, ill search of noble fools and 
Royal dupes. King John of Portugal 
Unmasked the scheming rogue, and now he haunts 
Castile, as easy gudgeon for his glittering bait. 

Queen — Don Bobadilia speaks, he says, 
As blunt men do, and this blunt privilege 
Is granted, too, to queens. The trick 
Of royal John may scarce be quoted as 
A model for Castile. Our royal name 
Shall ne'er be smirched with stain of cheat; 
Nor does the name oi royal chtpes become 
The lips of subjects, when their queen can hear. — 
The junta soon will meet and Prior Martinez 
Will there have more authority than here. 
Don Manuel, so careful of the public purse 
That even Isabella is reproached, 
Can rest at ease. The junta will determine 
This momentous question. Other cares 
Need our attention now. We would not keep 
The prior from his beads. 

[^Exeunt Fr. Martinez. Manuel and Bobadilla l.} 

Queen {To Marg.) — They plot the ruin of Colombo. 
Even royal power must bow when money speaks. 
My child, this Manuel has baleful eyes. 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 



He'll bear our watching. {Patting Marg. on head) 

We love our little dove too well to s^ee 

Without concern such fowlers flv their cruel hawks. 

Marg. {Kneeling and kissing the queen s hand)-- 
Your gracious majesty takes place 
Of mother in my heart. Were she alive 
She scarce could love me more. My heart is yours, 
And shall be while I live. 

\_ Isabella kisses Margarita on forehead and both 
exeunt 7?.] 

Scene HI. — Street in Malaga after its capture. 

Enter Fr. Perez anb Sidonia R., in earnest con- 
versation. 

Sidon. — It seems a marvel how he disappeared. 
Alas! Garcia slain by traitorous blow 
Of Spanish steel. The dying Pablo told 
Me all, and yet I scarcely can believe. 
A Spanish noble hiring cutthroats! 
Good Perez, I cannot credit this. 

[Enter Beppo L. Hides and Listens.] 

Er. Per. — The dying seldom leave the clay 
With lying words upon their lips. 
The soldier Pablo said that he was paid 
To strike the blow which killed Garcia. 

/Sidon. — 'Twas this he told to me. He would 
Not speak the name of him who thus becomes 
The real assassin. But to you he spoke 
Without reserve. The old Castilian blood 
Would spurn a deed like this. What trait'rous 
Coward so disgraced the honored name of Spain? 

Er. Per. — Confession's seal is sacred. Priests 
Dare never speak when that is laid upon their lips. 

Sidon. {starting)—! have it. Yes, I guess the truth. 
A taint is in the blood. For this much Heaven 
Be thanked — no pure Castilian thus 
Dishonored old Castile. Don Manuel 
Has hated poor Garcia since my cousin 
Margarita came to court. They both 
Have loved her, but she favored Don Garcia, 
And the false Bohemian blood 



]() COLOMBO. Act I. 



His mother gave him sought revenge. 

I see your reverence knows that I am right. 

I^r. Per. — The innocent have died, because 
Conclusions drawn from circumstances seemed 
To prove them guilty. 

Sidon. — The guilty, too, have lived, because 
Conclusions drawn from circumstances hanged 
The innocent. On this we both agree — 
Garcia fell before the walls 
From mortal wounds, and next his body 
Vanishes from earth. What can it mean? 

Fi'. Per. — I loved the youth and grieve as much 
As you that he was foully slain. My tongue 
Is tied, and I can say no more. 

Beppo (aside). — I love a priest as much as priests 
Do love Colombo, Venerable vernnn! 
Living catacombs! I smell a secret 
When I see a friar's gown. 

ISidou. — I loved him well and I had cause, 
F(jr once he saved me from a Moorish cimeter. 
I know his father, too, — a grand old man, 
A true Castilian nobleman, and — yes, 
My good Perez, I shall c 'ufide in you: — 
I love Garcia's sister, whom he idolized, 
And for her sake I wish to give him 
Christian burial. 

PV. Per. — My prayers are with you that you may 
Succeed. But I must leave your grace. A sick 
Old man awaits my coming. Fare thee well. 
Sidon. — And I must to the field and search 
Again. Farewell, good father. {Exit V^nwL^. Sidonia 

SEES Beppo advancing. 1 Ho, there, old man. 
I've seen that face before. Ha! 'tis 
The servant of (Colombo. 

Bep. {Bowing). — Old Beppo, at your grace's service. 
Sidon. — Good Beppo, how does good Colombo fare? 
Bep. — On Fridays he eats fish; on other days 
He dines on bacon, with a taste of garlic. 

Sidoii. — I mean not that. But do his wishes prosper? 
Bep. — His wishes! He is full of wishes as 
An egg is full of meat; but, like a cat 
That wishes cream, he seldom has his wish. 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 11 

Sidon. — Perverse! But is your master in jjjood health? 

Bep — I am not wise enough to know 
How he could have bad health. 

Sidon. — What quibble now? Explain your paradox. 

JBep. — The paradox consists in being in 
Sad health. I never knew that health was bad 

Sidon. — You're wiser, Beppo, than you seem. 
But are you cobbling still? 

Bep. — When cobblers cobble can they cobble still? 

Sidon. — Wise fool! What is your meaning now? 

Bep. — A cobbler moves when he is cobbling. 
If he is still he cannot cobble. 

Sidon — A play on words, good Beppo. I will try 
You with a question that you cannot twist. 
Whose shoe is that you carry home? 

Bep.— A dead man's shoe. 

Sidon. A dead man's shoe! Why have 
You soled it then? 

Bep. — Were I a quibbler, as you say, I'd tell 
You that I soled it for the dead man's soZe. 

Sidon. — Sacristo, Beppo, this is blasphemy 
You speak The man is dead, you say. 

Bep. — I cannot say. I heard you tell 
The priest the man was dead. {Looking meaningty) 

Sidon. — You heard me tell the priest 
The man was dead. What man was meant? 

Bep. — His name is Don Garcia. 

Sidon. — What? Don Garcia! Then, is this 
Garcia's shoe? 

Bep. — He says it is. 

Sidon. — My friend is living then? 

Bep — He was an hour or two ago. 

Sidon — Good Beppo, cease all quibbles now, 
And tell me where Garcia is. 

Bep. — Asleep at Senor Colombo's house. 

Sidon. — I pray you lead me to his side. 

Bep. [Seriously) — Your grace must pardon me if I 
Refuse. You cannot see him now. 
My master found him on the battlefield, 
And brought him to his house. The don 



12 COLOMBO. Act T. 



Was vvoundefl in the side, and nearly bled 
To death. My master dressed the wound, — 
He studied leeehcraft while at school. 
And now brave Don Garcia does as well 
As you could wish. But master says he must 
Have quiet, and that is final. If you meet 
Me here again I'll bring you tidings 
Of his state. 

Siclon. — I thank thee, Beppo. Meet me here 
Tomorrow at this hour. Take this. 
And do not fail to come. 

( Gives Beppo a pistole and exit L. Beppo exit R ) 

ScKNK IV. — Room in Colombo's House. 

Col. {Discovered) — They call medreamer — me, on whom 
The fates are heaping thoughts of highest moment. 
They are the dreamers — they, the common herd, 
Who eat and sleep and care for naught beside. 
The nobles dream of revels, — kings of pomp, — 
The priest of feasts,— the slave of freedom; 
And his a worthier dream than comes 
To all the gay, unthinking crowd. 
And I — I dream of what the sun, the moon 
And all the flittering stars by day and night 
To me prr.claim. I dream of this great world. 
Round wliich I travel in my sleepless thoughts. 
For this they call me dreamer, or in pitying 
Strain proclaim me madman. Yet like the slave, 
I would be free — free from the thrall of old 
Traditions, — free from the bonds of blinding 
Ignorance. — The sons of Jacob called 
Their brother Joseph dremner, yet he ruled 
The mighty land of Egypt, God's selected 
Instrument to save the chosen race. — 
Perhaps, the men of Tyre were dreamers 
When they passed the gates of Hercules, 
And sailing north enriched themselves and their 
Phaniician king with tin from English mines. 
This waiting wearies out my life. 
I shall to France or P^ngland if the junta 
Casts this hope into the grave. 

(Etifer Bkpio L, weeping) 
Col. — What grieves thee, Beppo? 



Scene IV. COLOMBO. 13 



Sep.^1 weep, because I saw thee sraile. 

Col. — Good Beppo, must I always wear 
A gloomy mien, to cheer thy heart? 

Hep. — When storms are near dame Nature 
Smiles the sweetest. Coming evil follows close 
Behind Colombo's smile. I try to make 
The evil less by shedding tears, 
To serve as antidotes. 

Col. — My faithful Beppo, when did tears 
Appease the wrath of fate, or strengthen faith 
When men were false? 

Bep. — In Portugal, when John gave royal pledge 
That he would furnish what you asked. 

Col. — How, Beppo, how? 

jBep. — I wept and sighed, and sighed and wept 
Again, and, when the royal cheat sent out 
His caravel by stealth, I smiled with right good will. 

Col. — Well, Beppo, what was gained? 

JBep. — My master, when the scurvy trick was told, 
Made haste from Portugal and I — forgot 
To pay the debts I owed. Revenge is sweet. 
But here have I been gabbling, and forgot 
The message which I hear. The wounded senor 
Asks that he may wait on thee. 

Col. — Good Beppo, go at once and bring 
Him hither. {Exit Beppo L ) Truth is drawn at times 
From unexpected springs. Poor Beppo loves 
Me well, and love has sharpened ignorance 
To point so keen that intuition is 
Its offspring. 

Enter (Garcia L. leaning on Beppo's arm) 
Col. — This is kind, indeed. 
Is Don Garcia wise in risking thus 
The wound which yet is far from healed? 

Garc. — Most gracious senor, when the heart 
Is full of gratitude and hope. 
It gravitates around that other heart. 
Which gave it life for death. 

Col. — It is not always thus. A noble soul 
Feels kindness deepest; 'tis the coward and 
The caitiff who are ingrates. But this prating 
Indicates a sense of benefits conferred, 



14 COLOMBO. Act I. 

Whereas the guerdon of congenial fellowship 
Makes me a debtor to your wound. 

Garc— And, thus, the soul that loves its kind 
Makes light of all the good it does, and counts 
As privilege what lower natures reckon 
Sacrifice. When I lay bleeding in 
That hidden trench I thought of home, of friends. 
Of youthful follies and of her who is 
My star of hope. The gaping wound 
Was draining off the crimson stream, 
And I could hear the clanking stride of death 
Appr(»aching fast. At last — oblivion, then 
A gracious presence near me, soothing as 
A strain of gentle music. I had passed 
The gates of Hades and, Orpheus — like, 
Colombo came and drew rae back to earth. 
The life you gave is henceforth yours. 

Col. — Enough of this, dear friend. 
The past is mine; the future may be yours. 
Next week will tell what fate designs 
Between Colombo and Castile. 

Garc. — I would not lightly dare intrude 
Upon your private business, but Garcia longs 
To know if he can serve Colombo then. 

Col. — Not then my friend. On Tuesday next 
The junta will assemble. Then the hopes 
And fears of years will be decided. 
The cardinal has spoken kindly, though 
At first he thought my plans heretical. 
And Talavera, too, encourages my hopes. 
The place of meeting will be Salamanca, 
For which I journey forth at dawn tomorrow. 
And glad I am that I can leave you now 
So far recovered that there need be no alarm. 

Garc. — Your patient courtesy has hitherto 
Prevented me from saying what I would. 
My absence in Seville and, afterwards. 
The outbreak of the present war kept you 
And n)e apart, until you rescued me 
From death. But now we know that each 
Is to the other — friend. I owe you much, 
And, knowing what 1 do, I bid you keep 
Close watch on Martinez. For reasons, now 
To rae unknown, the wily priest 



Scene IV. COLOMBO. 15 

Is hostile to your suit, and tries on all 
Occasions how he may belittle you, 
And thwart your plans. 

Col. — 'Tis nothing new for me to meet 
Injustice such as you describe. Since first 
I entered on this quest sour prejudice 
And biting jealousy have joined their hands 
To cross my aims. For eight long years I have 
Endured the raillery of priests, the scoifs 
Of pedants, treachery and foul deceit 
From men of high estate. The road 
To ordinary knowlege oflTers few 
Obstructions, and the traveller sins against 
The vanity of none. But, when he leaves 
The beaten track, ascends the heights and brings 
New treasures from the mountain tops, 
The pedants stand aghast, routinists say 
Experience only can be trusted and the pack 
Of false impostors, owl-faced drones 
And gowned simpletons stand baying 
At the moon, as if that lifeless orb 
Had given birth to lunacy. 
But, Don Garcia, only patience can 
Attain the glorious end to which n)y life 
Is given. Yet mark my words, — the day 
Is coming, yea, is now at hand, 
When bigotry, false pride and ignorance 
Will bow before the truth which God is now 
Evolving. Truth must be triumphant; — 
So will I, the Genoese Colombo. 

Garc. — I glory in your high resolve, 
And yet will see the triumph which must come. 
But now I waste your time and, if the truth 
Be told, my strength is not the equal of my wish. 

Col. — I pray forgiveness, for my zeal 
Outran my prudence. Beppo, Beppo, come. 
These mighty projects and their great 
Results made me forget your wound. 

(Enter Beppo L.) 
Assist the senor to his chamber, Beppo; 
And, in my absence, see to all his needs. 
I go at early dawn. 

Sep. — I shall be ready, senor. 

Col. — Nay, Beppo; you remain at present here, 



Ifi COLOMBO. Act II. 



To nurse the Don Garcia. 

7?e/>. (A(/hast) — Remain! Good master are you mad 
At last? A journey and no Bep,)o! 
Senor, senor. who will fetch your linen 
And your hose? Alas, alas! The moon 
Is at the full. 

{Exit Garcia L. leaning on-Beppo) 



ACT IF. 

Scene I. — Street in Seville. 

Enfe?- Talavera and Martinez L. 

Talav. — The cardinal himself, I find, had seen 
The queen and interceded for Colombo. 
Why this vagrant should impress a man 
Of learninsr, like the great Mendoza, 
Winning from him sympathy and trust, 
Is oast my skill to fathom. But his grace 
Mas openly declared himself a convert 
To Colombo's views. 

Mart. — Don Manuel and Bohadilla went 
With me to see the queen and press upon 
Her notice how the people feel. 
This happened at Cordova ere we left. 

Talav. — And how were you received? 

Mart. — Received with courtesy, dismissed 
With sharp rebuke. 

Talav — Rebuke! And how came this about? 

Mart.—Yy<~m Manuel but hinted that 
The public purse was threatened, and the queeit 
Received it as a personal affront. 
And Senor Bobadilla acted like a bull 
Within a china shop, as usual, 
Treading on the royal toes by hinting 
That Colombo easily made kings and queens 
His dupes, and ending with a compliment 
To John of Portugal, for whom her majesty 
Has little love. She treated Bobadilla 
To a scoring, then gave Manuel a slap 
For his remarks, and ended with a hint 
That I had better tell my beads. 



Scene I. COLOMBO. 17 

She rapped us all with caustic force. 

Talav. — It is not hard to know the reason 
For her majesty's desire to show 
Some kindness to Colombo. 
Father Perez de Marchena interceded 
For his protegee. But I can still • 

Assist you, for a junta will be called, 
And I can so arrange that you will be 
Assigned to this important work and, when 
The junta meets, you then will have your chance. 
Why do you so dislike Colombo? 

Mart. — For reasons which I cannot tell you now, 
I, too, was born in Genoa and hereditary 
Feud exists between his father's house 
And mine. In Italy that means revenge. 
Is that enough? 

Talav. — 'Tis best to say no more. Here come 
Don Manuel and Senor Bobadilla. 

Enter Don Manuel and Bobadilla R, 

J/aw.-^-Well met, roost reverend fathers. 
Senor Bobadilla craves a conference 
With Father Martinez. 

Talav. — Your coming favors my desires. 
Her majesty expects me, and the prior 
Was detaining me. Vobiscum Deus. {Exit R ) 

Mart. — My time is yours. The senor 's face 
Imports some pressing care. 

.Bobad.--M.y visage never masks my thoughts. 
When I rejoice my face reveals the fact. 
It shows when I am sad, and trouble stamps 
Its impress on my features. And my tongue 
Is like ray face — it tells my inmost thoughts. 

Mart. — 'Tis best at times to keep both face 
And tongue in check, for not so very long ago 
The queen impressed that lesson on us all. 
What rests upon the senor's mind? 

J3obad. — This foreign mountebank is like 
A weight about my neck. But now "I have 
Him on the hip." He fought at Malaga 
And gained more credit than good 
Soldiers did. It now appears his fighting 
Was a mere pretext, to give him fitting chance 



18 COLOMBO. Act 11. 

To kill a better man. He had a grudge 
Against the noble Don Garcia, 
And 'tis said that when the fight was hottest. 
Traitor that he was, he slew the don. 

Mm't. — How know you this? 

Tiohad — A Soldier told me that he saw him 
Strike the blow, and furthermore he went 
At night and carried off the corpse. 

Mart. — This should be followed up. 
I scarce believe it truej but, if the rumor gO' 
Abroad, it will increase the hatred 
Of the people for Colombo, and may 
Reach the king. What think you, Manuel? 

Man — To me 'tis passing strange that since 
The fight at Malaga the don has not been seen. 
He was reported dead and yet 
The searchers failed to find the body 
On the field. 

Bobad. — I think the mountebank could telF 
Us where Garcia lies, if he were brought to book. 

Mart — Let this impression creep abroad 
Among the people. 'Tis a leaven that 
Will suit our purpose. Time will bring 
It to the royal ears, but we should not 
Be known at present in the matter. 
Oueens have memories. 

Man — For me, my knowledge is confieaaed 
To what I heard from Bobadilla. 

Mart. — The leaven will work. Such news 
Will travel fast. A single word well placed 
Will soon become a volume. {Exeunt L. 

Scene n. — Room ik Salamanca University. 

Table in Center. Chairs and Benches. 

Dignitaries— TO hear Colombo. Talavera pre- 
sides. 

Takm. — Most grave and learned senors, fathers 
In the church, and students of the mysteries 
Of space, by royal order are you now 
Assembled here, to weigh a question which 



Scene II. COLOMBO. 19 

Concerns the welfare of the state. 

It scarce becomes a tyro, like myself, 

To lead iu this assembly; but their majesties 

Have laid this burden on my head, — 

A duty meet for Plato, and I crave 

Indulgence for my lack of trained skill. 

The eyes of all Castile are on you, — nay, 

Of Christendom itself, for on your wisdom 

Hinges now a question which contains 

Great truth or grievous error. 

Most illustrious fathers, hear, I pray you, 

What Colombo has to offer for 

Your grave consideration. 

Col. {Rising.) — Most learned fathers, after many years 
Of fruitless labor God has heard my prayers. 
At last I come before the wisest in this land 
Of learning, confidently trusting that 
The truth of what I say will meet your quick 
Approval. Men like you need not be told 
That many of the most profound 
Astronomers of ancient and of modern times 
Agree in calling this our earth a great 
Terraqueous sphere. From Ptolemy 
Of Egypt, down to Toscanelli of today, 
The greatest minds deny the earth is flat, 
And Aifraganus clearly shows 
That eastern Asia extends so far 
That Europe is approached at northern points. 
Convinced of this, I now believe 
That, sailing west, a ship can reach 
The island of Cipango, which 
.Is separated by a narrow sea 
From Tartary, vast empire of the mighty Khan. 
The day is not far off". 
When men will launch upon the deep 
And, steering on from east to west, will reach 
The port from which they sailed. To gain 
This glory for Castile is now my great 
Ambition. Your decision will determine 
What the king and queen may do. 
And thus your names in future ages be 
Revered, as rescuing the fairest part 
Of earth from darkness to the light of Christ. 

Fr. Dez. — A great and blessed work, if it 



20 COLOMBO. Aet II. 

Can be accomplished. But what proof 
Can you adduce that what you say is true? 

Col. — The proofs are many and of various kinds. 
On learned scholars, like yourselves, I need 
Not urge that this great earth is round. 

Fr. Mart. — It would be needless, for to say 
The earth is round compels us to believe 
That on the other side men walk with feet 
Above their heads, and roots of trees must be 
Above their tops. A man thus placed 
Would topple off in space. 

Col. — An orange, too, is round, but insects 
On the lower side do never topple off. 

Fr. Dez. — But, senor, how could sailors face 
The heat, which scorches all the torrid belt. 
To reach the antipodes? 

Col. — The sailors sent by Henry, king 
Of Portugal, to search the Afric coast, 
Endured this torrid heat without complaint. 
But ill the voyage which I plan we would 
"Not cross this torrid belt, because we sail 
From east to west. 

Talav. — Suppose a ship should start from Spain, 
Which lies upon the upper side of earth, 
And sail until it reached the lower side. 
I clearly see how it could downward go; 
But, when the lower side is reached, 
I cannot understand how it could climb 
The steep ascent and gain its home in Spam. 
It never could return. 

Col. — With due respect for Father Talavera's 
Wisdom, we should not forget that wise 
Astronomers have said our earth rotates 
Upon its axis once from noon to noon again. 
If this be true, — and stamp of truth 
Lies on its face,— a ship of Spain at no-)n 
Is on the upper side, at midnight on 
The lower side of this rotating globe. 

(Great commotion and smiles of derision.) 

Fr. Mart. — I cannot tell how others feel, 
But, for myself, I think this sounds 
Like infidelity most rank. In Holy Writ 



Scene II. COLOMBO. 21 

The earth is spoken of as flat, and all 
The fathers, from Lactautius on to St. 
Augustine, say expressly antipodes 
Cannot exist. 

Fr. Dez. — I have not found in all the word 
Of God a place which says the earth is flat. 
While God does not declare it round, 
He does not say 'tis not. Will good 
Colombo state his reasons why he thinks it round? 

Col. — The learned Ptolemy believed it round, 
A.nd gave good reasons for his faith. 
But other proofs exist. Upon the ocean, when 
Two ships approach from any side, 
Their mastheads first are seen, and then their hulls. 
And, passing on, their hulls are lost to view, 
While still the masts are seen, till they, 
Too, disappear, as if the ships by slow 
Degrees wer-e climbing o'er a ridge, and then 
Descending on the other side. This could not be. 
Unless the water lay upon a convex sphere. 

Fr. Dez. — What reason canst thou give 
For thinking that Cipango can be reached 
By sailing westward? 

Col. — That land isthere is no uncertain thing. 
Vicenti saw, four hundred leagues from Cape 
St. Vincent, drifting from the west, a piece 
Of carved wood, a kind not known in Europe. 
Pine trees have also drifted from the west 
And landed at the Azores. To Flores, driven 
By western winds, came copper-colored 
Bodies, two in number, and of different race 
From any ever seen before. Reeds of 
Enormous size, like' those which grow 
In India, landed on the shore 
Of Porto Santo. Travellers, too, upnu ^ 

The western ocean tell of islands seen 
Far in the west. In Denmark men 
Are living now, whose fathers westward sailed 
Until a continent was reached, both tair 
And rich in many kinds of fruits. 
A brave young Spanish noble, Don Garcia, 
Told me that he saw a copper hatchet there 
And trinkets, brought from that 
Far-distant land. 



22 COLOMBO. Act II. 

T^r. Mart. —Colombo scarce would speak 
Such words as these were dead Garcia here 
In life to verify or contradict 
The statements made. 

Col. {Indignant) — My life in Spain is known 
To many men of high repute, 
And no man living dare in justice say 
I lie. Garcia dead! In Malaga 
On Tuesday last 1 left him at my house 
Alive, recovering from a dangerous wound. 
But were Garcia here, much more than what 
I tell would he declare. I came to Salamanca 
With the thought that, out of self-respect 
And deference to the sovereigns of Castile 
And Arragon, the members of this junta would 
Devote ,(rofound investigation to 
A problem of such magnitude as this. 
I came not here to listen tamely while 
My truth is called in question. 

Fr. Dez. — For one I do not wonder at 
Coh)rabo's indignation. Father Martinez, 
Believing what has been reported here 
And elsewhere — Don Gardia's death, — forgot 
His courtesy, while sorrowing for his friend. 
We all expect that reparation will 
Be made at once to Senor Colombo. 

Fr. Mart. — The news which Senor Colombo tells 
Will justify my awkward speech, 
Which meant that Don Garcia would have said 
What go"id Colombo told, had he been here alive. 
And now, I ask the senor if he thinks 
That men of learning so profound as those 
We see assembled here can throw aside 
What science and all past experience prove, 
And credit tales which children ridicule. 

Col. — My hope and strong conviction when 
I journeyed hither was that, when 
Such weighty questions came before 
This learned junta, grave consideration would 
Be given to every point. With one or two 
Exceptions, all the dignitaries present here 
Have shown their bias from the first. 
A question which can stir the hearts of kings 
Has met no echo in these schoolmen's souls. 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 23 

I know too well what verdict you will give, 

Aud henceforth I shall think no more of Spain. 

What grieves me most in this is, that the gracious queen, 

Who rules Castile, will miss an empire by 

Your act. Both France and England seek 

What you reject, and I shall hie lue hence. 

To treat with those who see what lies beyond 

The great Atlantic's waves. The passing years 

Will show what Spain has missed, and as 

The centuries roll on the men who this day throw 

Away the grandest heritage on earth 

Will be forgotten when my name will live. 

I leave you to your self-con ten tment and 

The execrations of your countrymen, 

When they discover what your lack of faith 

And blinded prejudice have done. 

With trust in God I ne'er shall yield 

Until my glorious mission is fulfiilled. 

And so, farewell. 

Exit R. 

Scene III. — Street in Malaga. 

Enter Beppo L. 

Bep. — When he was down upon his back 
Our larder was sufficient. But 'tis different now, 
When appetite returns. How can I feed 
Him? That's the rub. I gave him yesterday 
His choice of bacon and fresh garlic, or 
Stale garlic and fresh bacon. That was for 
His dinner, and he chose the bacon and 
Fresh garlic. Then for supper this was changed 
Around — stale garlic and fresh bacon. 
But, now the bacon's gone, variety is scant. 
Would he were a Jew, for then I'd still 
Have bacon in the house. But when it comes 
To garlic, or — more garlic, all 
The other dishes must be — garlic. 
He thus may think Colombo poor. 
That's where my old awl pricks — the sole 
Disturber of my peace. But here he comes 
And Don Sidonia, too, — another mouth 
To feed — on garlic. {Exit Beppo R.) 

Enter Garcia and Sidonia L. 



24 COLOMBO. Act II. 

Garc. — How did you hear what you have told? 

Sidon.— My Q.(m?,m of Celi was journeying to 
Granada from Seville. 'Twas in Seville 
He heard the story told by Bobadilla who 
Is hostile to Colombo. Bobadilla said 
The Genoese was by your side 
When fighting near the trench and, as 
You leaped across, he plunged his sword 
Into your side. 

Garc. — I know not how 'twas done; but this 
I know without a doubt, — Colonibo was 
Not near. Colombo be a traitor! 
Sooner would I think the cardinal himself 
Would play the knave. Colombo has a soul 
Above reproach, a man among a thousand. 
Tell me, good Sidonia, how to help his need, — 
Relieve his wants, for poverty so has 
Him in its grasp that oft he knows not whence 
Necessities will come. 'Tis sad, and yet 
'Tis mirth-provoking, too, to hear 
Old Beppo groan and fret about 
The larder, when he thinks I am not near. 
He loves Colombo more than many wives 
Do love their lords and fears lest I may see 
Their pressing wants. Tomorrow you and I 
Set out for old Cordova. We shall take 
Old Bpppo, too, and feed him till 
He'll burst his jerkin. Here he comes. 

Me enter Beppo R. 

Sidon. — Ho, Beppo, whither bound? 

.Bep — My joints are now too stiff to bound. 

Sidon. — Still quarreling with words. I mean. 
Where do you bend your steps? 

Bej). — A man may bend his head, his back. 
His knees; but how to bend a step 
I never learned. 

Sidon. — The gods grant patience! Beppo, 
Don Garcia through your kindness has 
At last regained his strength. He leaves 
Tomorrow for Cordova, and desires 
That you with him shall go along. 
Colombo will be there, and will expect you. 



Scene IV. COLOMBO. 2 5 

Bep. — Colombo at Cordova! Thither will 
I hend my steps I start this hour. 
No journey is too long for me, to reach 
Colombo. Two score leagues! That's nothing, 
If Colombo's there. 

Garc. — Friend Beppo, you shall go with me. 
Take this (Hands money) and hire a mule. You shall 
Not bend a step, for I am much 
Your debtor. Go at once and make 
You ready 'gainst the morning. 

BepXLooJcing at money)— I bend ray body for 
Your bounty, Don Garcia. {Aside) Garlic. . Faugh! 
No more today. Pig's feet and liver, with 
A taste of honey and, perhaps, 
A carrot for a relish. Yes, old Beppo, you , 
Can be extravagant, for once. 
What, twenty pistoles! I could huy a mule 
For less. (Aloud) But, Don Garcia, name 
The hour for dinner. 

Garc. — I dine with Don Sidonia today. 
You need not longer think of me. 
Be ready in the morning. 

{Exeunt Sidonia and Garcia R.) 

Bep. — Not think of him, when eating liver 
And pig's feet. Yum, yum! I'll think 
Of him at every mouthful. (JExit L,) 

Scene IV. — Room in royal palace. 

King and Santangel playing Chess. R. ) 7^ . , 

Martinez and Talavera conferring. L. ) 

Enter Queen Isabella R. 

Queen. — Your majesty, I come 

A suppliant for royal favor. Art thou now 

In mood to grant a boon? 

King. — What boon so great that 
Isabella may not ask? And yet, 'twere worth 
A kingdom to be left alone when chess 
Demands attention. 
- Queen. — It is a kingdom that I wish 
To give to thee, — mayhaps, an empire. 
But the queen of fair Castile requests 



26 COLOMBO. Act II. 

The king of Arragou to grant 

An audience to the sailor, Senor Colorabo. 

King — Cararabo, Isabel, hast lost thy wits? 
Carajo, why should sailors break a game 
Of chess? Sautangel would detest 
Colombo, were he balked in conquering 
The king, as now he's like to do. 

iSant. — I willingly would lose a ganae of chess. 
To gratify Queen Isabella's wish. 

Kimi. — In faith, thou art a traitor, Don 
Sautangel Well, this compact do I make: — 
If I shall win this game, the audience will 
Be granted But Colombo's chance is small, 
For, see, my queen is lost. I cannot save her. 

Queen {Looking at hoard) — A queen may well 
Be given for a pawn, {pointing to a move) if then 
A king is conquered. 

King—^ovi, by our halidom, fair spouse, 
Colombo is in fortune. That small pawn 
Santangel gives, secures the game, my queen 
Her boon and grants Colombo audience. 
That is check, Santangel. 

Sant. — I yield, ray liege. The queen's advice 
Is always worth attention and will hold 
Regarding good Colombo, 

Queen — An omen of success, our royal spouse. 
That game stood for an empire, and the pawn 
Santangel gave will send Colombo 
To the west. Art ready to admit him? 

King — From smaller things than this 
Results of magnitude have followed. 
Bring the sailor in. {Exit Queen R ) 

Talav. {Aside') — That game has won Colombo's suit 
Mart. {Aside) — May curses rest upon the pawn 
That did it. But there still is left a chance 
To block Colombo's game. The king should be 
Reminded of the junta's verdict. Wilt thou speak? 

Talav. — And trust my head between 
The royal jaws? Nay, Martinez, 'twere height 
Of folly now to kick against the pricks. 
The queen is on her mettle. 

{Re-enter Queen with Colombo R.) 



Scene IV. COLOMBO. 27 

Queen — Your majesty, this worthy sailor 
Stands before you, after years of waiting, 
Now to hear your final answer to his suit. 
Both France and England send him urgent word 
To visit them, and Henry craves that England 
Shall not fall behind when Spain 
And Portugal are running races for 
New territory far beyond the sea. 
Castile and Arragon can balk Him 
In his greed. What thinks your majesty? 

ICing — We frankly own it seems to us 
A game of chance, a dangerous game, to boot. 
We much desire to gratify our royal spous^e, 
And that weighs heavy in the scale. 
But, should we send forth shij)s to run 
The risks of that forbidding sea, 
Remorse would eat our lives if they should ne'er 
Return. What think ye, reverend fathers? 

(Talavera and Martinez approach) 

Talav. (^Meeting Queen's eye)— 'Twere best to hear 
What good Colombo has to say. 

King — Colombo hath already plead 
His cause, both in our presence and before 
The junta. But, if he hath still further 
Reasons good to add, we would be just 
And hear him. Senor Colombo, speak; 
Or hence forever hold thy peace. 

Col. — Your gracious Majesty of Arragon, 
And thou, most Christian lady, Sovereign of 
Castile, the weal of countless nations rests 
Upon your wisdom. {As if prophetically) 
I see before me, spread as by the hand of God, 
A,wondrous land, — fair islands in the sea, 
And continents extending farther than 
Swift thought can reach. I see rich fertile fields 
And mighty rivers rolling through 
Great valleys rich beyond compare. 
Still farther on I see a splendid city. 
Filled with busy thousands. Behold 
Its temples, towers and palaces, with roofs 
Of gold, and jewels sparkling in the sun. 
I see the people pouring forth, to worship,-^*- 
Not the God whom we adore, but images 
Of stone, and brass, and gold. I see the priests 



28 COLOMBO. Act II. 

Before the altars, offering sacrifice 
To hideous, lifeless statues. Horrible, 
Most horrible to tell, the victims 
Offered to the idols bear the likeness 
Of the Lord of Hosts. The gleaming knife 
Descends and slays old men, young maids. 
And helpless babes, until the stones are laved 
With blood. — King Ferdinand, to thee. 
And to thy gracious spouse these innocents 
Are calling, and the Lord presents a work 
So grand that millions now unborn 
Will bless your names. To Christianize 
That heathen land will bring to Spain 
And you a greater glory than was gained 
By conquering Granada. 

Queen {Enthusiastically) — My sovereign spouse. 
How can you hesitate when such 
A glorious work is offered. 

King — This is a work on which the church 
Should speak. Will Father Martinez express 
What seems to him our duty? 

Fr. Mart. — At Salamanca, sire, the junta met, — 
The learned fathers of the church. 
Save one or two, they all pronounced this quest 
A wild chimera, dangerous to 
The public peace, the offspring of 
A weakened brain, unfit for your 
Consideration. I agreed with what 
My colleagues said. 

Queen {In anger) — Sir priest, 'twere well 
That you should know your place. We learned 
From several quarters how your malice showed 
Itself at Salamanca, where the learned 
Prior Deza well rebuked your insolence. 
Remember this, — Castile may whisper to 
His Holiness at Rome that Martinez 
Requires a change of climate. 
We do not need you further here today. 
{Exit Martinez R.) 

King {Smiling) — We see that Isabella has 
Made up her mind, and Ferdinand 
Would not oppose her wish. 'Twere well. 



Scene IV. COLOMIiO. 2'.> 

However, to consider that the state 
Is now impoverished by war. 

Queen — We ask no money from tlie treasury. 
The queen of old Castile can find the means 
To fit the expedition forth, if we 
Should pawn our jewels for this purpose. 
Will Arragon now join us in the work? 

King — Our royal spouse shall have our full 
Consent. It now remains to see if we 
Can fittingly arrange the terms. 
Senor Colombo, have you reconsidered 
Your determination? 

Col. — Your majesty, T cannot change 
My terms. I care not for myself, 
But I have registered a sacred vow 
That from the profits I may gain 
I shall equip an array to redeem 
The sepulchre of Christ in Palestine, 
And wrest it from the grasp of Islam. 

King — So be it then. The papers shall be signed. 
We now may give Santaugel chance 
For his revenge at chess. 

8ant. {Kneeling to Queen) — Santangel never h^st 
A game with lighter heart than now. 

Queen {Smiling) — And queen was never givpu 
For pawn with such results. 

(Queen and Colombo Exeunt R ) 

ACT III. 

Scene I. — On board Ship at Sea. 
Colombo alone forward; men aft consulting. 

Col. — The men are ill at ease, 
And discontent is ripening into threats. 
The pilots, when the compass varied, 
Thought the laws of nature were reversed, 

{Consults chart. Sailor heard speaking.^ 

Sail. — You're right, my mate, we all 
Shall perish soon, if we go on. 

CoL — Three thousand miles from Spain, 
And we are near where Toscanelli placed 



80 COLOMBO. Act Til. 

Cipango on his map, a thousand miles 
Beyond where any ship has ventured. 
Day by day the signs of land have been 
Increasing, till to me our near approach 
To far Cipango is as certain as 
That Palos is in Spain, 

(Pauses. Sailor heard af/aln) 

Sail. — Correct. He's mad, and none 
Will blame us if we turn back. 

Col. — And yet the threats of these 
Poor, frightened men may ripen into 
Action ere we reach the object of our quest. 
I am alone among these reckless sailors; — 
Nay, I'm not alone, [pointing ttpwards) for God 
Is here, and He can stay the wrath 
Of men and guide the faithful out 
Of darkness into light. (Panse) 

Sail. — That's the thing. Throw him 
Overboard and back we go. 

Col. — Till now I have sustained 
The strongest and restrained the weak 
From yielding to their fears. But now I well 
Can see that they have reached the limit 
Of obedience to my will. {Pause. ) 

Sail. — Tomorrow morning be it. 
Pedro, yon go talk with him. 

Col. — The darkness gathers and with that 
I feel assured the leading spirits will 
Demand that we return to Spain. Thay come^ 
And now the crisis is at hand. 

Sail. {Advancing) — Senor Colombo. 

Col. — Heuriquez Armatero, Admiral 
Colombo waits to hear you. 

Sail. — I speak for others here, as well 
As for myself We left our home.'*, our wives, 
And children far away in Spain, 
Because our queen so ordered. We have sailed 
For days and weeks beyond where men 
Have ever dared to go. Till now we have 
Obeyed your will and when tomorrow dawns 
Full seventy days will end since we 
Bade home farewell. But every sign of late 



Scene [. COLOMBO. 31 

Has failed, and we refuse to sacrifice 
Our lives to gratify the wild 
Ambition of a raadraan. 

Col. — Henriqnez, I have borne with patience 
Many words and deeds which other men 
Would quick have punished. But there is 
A limit to endurance. Royal orders sent 
You forth, and royal power made me 
Your officer. Sign after sign has come 
To show that we are nearing land. 
Yet you, when triumph is at hand. 
Would tamely turn your backs. I speak not now 
As plain Colombo, but as vested with 
The power of Spain. Be frank and say 
What you demand and I as frankly will reply. 

Sail. — The sailors one and all demand 
That you give orders for immediate 
Return to Spain. 

Col. — The orders given thus would not 
Be mine, but yours. 

Sail. — We care not whose they are. Will yoit 
Comply, or not? 

Col. — Before tomorrow at this hour 
You'll see the land we seek. 

Sail. — That song, so often sung, has lost 
Its former charm. It does not answer 
Our demand. 

Col. — My answer, then, is this: — what you 
Demand is treason to your queen, 
And I will not comply. 'Tis useless now 
To murmur or to threaten more. 
The voyage shall continue till the work 
Demanded by the king and queen of Spain 
Is faithfully performed. 

Sail. — This is your final answer, then? 

Col. — Save this. Return to duty now 
At once and even this offence may yet 
Be pardoned. 

Sail. — Tomorrow, then, at break of day 
The vessel's prow will point to distant Spain, 

{Men retire, and Cohwihus again looks ahead) 

Col. — Ha! AVhat is thi& I see ahead? 



32 COLOMBO. Act HI. 



A light! [Looking steadily) My eyes are not deceived. 
It. comes and goes, as if a boat at sea 
Were moving up and down upon the waves. 
Call Gutierrez here at once. {Excitement on hoard) 
Mayhaps, some man is walking 'mong 
The trees with lantern in his hand. 
Ha! Gutierrez, cans't thou see a distant light? 
(riit.--! see it, admiral, and moving to and fro. 

Col. — I feared my eyes deceived me. There, 
It blazed aloft and — now, 'tis gone. — 
Yes, it has disappeared. (To men) I saw 
A light ahead, and watched it here 
With Gutierrez, till it disappeared. 

Gut. — It seemed to move, but this 
May have been caused by movements 
Of our ship upon the waves. 

Col. — Good cheer from Heaven. Our prayers 
Are heard, for with the morning light 
The land of promise will refresh 
Our weary eyes. Praise God from whom 
All blessings flow. Rest those who can. 
For me, I cannot close my eyes tonight. 
My hope will be at last fulfilled. 

(Scene closes.) 

vScKNE II. — Strkkt in Cordova. 
Enter Manukl and BoBADr^LA R. 

Man — He may return. The unexpected 
Always ha|)pens, and it happens when 
'Tis least expected. Who that saw the n)adn)ai» 
But a year ago, or heard the verdict 
Of the junta could have dreamed that what 
Has happened since would e'er take place? 

J^ob. — 'Tis over half a year since fron> the port 
Of Palos sailed the ships upon 
Their crazy venture. Thanks to your 
Well planned design, the Pinta sailed 
Unfit for sea. Before she reached the Azores 
Her rudder broke; but, v/hen we heard the news. 
We also heard that mad Colombo had 
Repaired the ship and, hurrying out 
Of port, escaped the cruisers sent by John 



Scene II. COLOMBO. 



Of Portugal, at hint from you, to capture there 
The crafty Genoese. 8ix months unheard 
Frora! Long ere now the ships have foundered. 

Man. — Attribute not to me the careful schemes 
Of Martinez. 'Twas he who planned 
The Pinta's fitting out; 'twas he who warned 
King John of Portugal; 'tis he whose hate 
Pursues Colombo Mine is centered on 
A higher mark. I leave Colombo's case to you 
And Martinez, though if ray help prove useful, 
You may count it yours, provided you will aid 
Me should I ask your service in return. 

Boh. — A bargain. Who is he 
That has incurred your anger? 

Man. — I am not one who peddles round 
The street his loves and hates. I keep 
My counsel hid within my heart 
And, shutting close the gates, conceal my wrongs 
And schemes of vengeance. But revenge 
Is none less dear that 'tis conceived 
In privacy, brought forth in pain 
Of cherished wrong, and nursed upon 
The milk of secret hate. Yet there are times 
When, like an angry ulcer, throbbing, 
Growing day by day, at last it bursts 
The swelling heart and, oozing forth. 
Demands the salve of sympathy. 
Lest madness wreck the sufferer's reason. 
Thus, good Bobadilla, suffer I tonight. 
I hate Garcia, hate him as a tiger hates 
A lion, — hate him as did Cassius hate 
Triumphant Csesar. What my reason? 
Through my life he stands for ever in my way. 
Ai school he faster ran and higher leaped 
Than I; at college he outdid the best I tried; 
Upon the battlefield his star shone brighter than 
Did mine. And now he beats me in the race 
Of love. We both have sought to win 
A lady's favor. He has gained her heart. 
And I her scorn. Dost wonder that I long, 
As Cassius did, to see my rival humbled? 
I would kneel and bless the fiend himself 
To see Garcia burning in a lake of fire. 



34 COLOMBO. Act III. 

Hoh, — And I would give ten years 
Of life to see Colombo by his side. 

Man. — The fire of hate is burning up 
My soul, and I do crave for vengeance 
With a thirst that tortures every fibre 
Of my being. Fate has granted you your wish. 
Colombo lies beneath the sea, no more 
To vex you. But Garcia lives, 
And while he lives I know no peace, 
Nor will, until I pay him back in kind 
The suffering he has caused me. 

Bob. — Could I believe what you have said, 
And were Colombo lying 'neath a thousand 
Leagues of water, I should be content. 

Man. — What hath he done to bring 
Such hatred to your heart? 

Bob. — In one respect your case and mine 
Are not unlike. I loved and, as I thought, - 
Was loved by her whom I had chosen. 
He came here and she — Ah, well, 
Don Manuel, I too can hate and, if I live, 
I, too, will have revenge should he return. 
Meantime, how can I help you? 

Man. — A scheme is brewing in my brain. 
By which I can get even with my rival, 
If I find occasion. It is not 
Matured as yet, but when the time shall come 
Your help will be of value. — Hark! I hear 
The sound of voices. 

Enter Sidonia and Garcia L. 

Sidon. — Whom have we here? Ha! 
Bobadilla and Don Manuel, 
The fates are kinder than we hoped. 

Garc. — I thank the fates with all ray heart. 
For Atropos, I think, will find some work 
To do before these gentlemen and I 
Shall part. Don Manuel, we have accounts 
To settle, which are pressing in their nature. 
And before the sun shall rise our obligations 
Must be cancelled. 

Man. — No time more welcome than 
The present hour to Manuel. But I had thought 
The injuries were mine. Wherein can Don 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 35 

Garcia claim a wrong received from Manuel? 

Garc. — The tables might more fitly be 
Reversed. Then would Don Manuel be asked 
How, when, or where Garcia injured him. 
But this is bootless. You have asked 
A question, and my answer is: — the trench 
At Malaga and Pablo Estiraado 
Earning there by treacherous blow 
The money paid him by a Spanish nobleman, 
To kill a Spanish soldier fighting 'gainst 
The Moors. To give this picture greater force, 
'Tis said Don Manuel was he who paid 
The bribe and that Garcia was the man 
Whose murder was thus foully planned. 

Man. — Speak on, for here Don Manuel 
Declares this speech will be the last 
Those hated lips will utter. 

Garc. — I would have let this matter pass 
Had my poor life been all your dastard heart 
Desired. But when to this base deed 
A baser still was added, — when you aimed 
Envenomed shafts at still a nobler soul 
And, ignorant that good Colombo saved 
My life, you tried to have the world believe 
That he had done the coward deed for which 
You paid your tool, 'tis time the world should know 
Your utter baseness.Here, in the presence of 
These gentlemen, I call you villain, sunk 
Below the level of a cutthroat. Draw, 
And now defend yourself. 

( They fight. Manuel falls pierced through the heart.) 

Garc. — So may all base detractors of 
The upright perish from the earth. 

{Exeunt Sidonia and Garcia L.) 
(BoBADiLLA carries o^' Manuel's body R.) 

Scene IH. — In front op Cathedral at Barcelona. 

King and Queen seated. 

Margarita, Talavera, Martinez, Santangel, 

Sidonia, Garcia and others, Discovered. 

King. — Make way for Admiral Colombo. 



36 COLOMBO. Act III. 

Bring him to our presence. 

{Enter Coi-OMBO, followed by Indians, eto. L. 
King and Queen rise — an timcsical honor.) 

King — Don Admiral Colombo, Lord Viceroy 
Of the Indies, welcome back to Spain. 

(Colombo kneels to kiss their hands) 

ICinc/— Arise, Don Admiral. The king 
And queen of Spain require no further proof 
Of thy devotion to their service than 
The labors which have proved thy fealty. 
Be seated in our presence, while 
We listen to the wondrous story which 
Thou hast to tell. 

Queen — When last we saw thy face 
We knew not what might be the fate which then 
Awaited thee. A sea unvisited 
By European ships lay dark before 
Thee. Gloomy terrors hung across the vast 
Mysterious ocean. Europe waited in suspense 
Whilst thou wert gone. Thy quick return 
Has lifted from our royal hearts 
A heavy load and given to Spain 
A glory which exceeds that gained 
By any Christian nation in the past 
Or present. Isabella joins her royal 
Husband when he says we know 
Thy faithful service, and we wait to hear 
What wonders thou hast now to tell. 

Col — Your gracious and most potent 
Christian majesties, I bow with gratitude 
Before the throne of God, the infinite 
Creator of the universe and render Him 
Most humble and most hearty thanks 
For all his goodness. Next, I thank 
Your majesties for this great honor 
To your loyal servant, who, with grateful 
Heart sees now accomplished what 
Has been his dream for many years. 
My letters sent from Portugal 
And Palos have acquainted your 
Most gracious majesties with all the chief 
Events of this unequalled voyage. 
To me is given an honor never till to-day 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 37 

Acquired by man, — to lay before the feet 

Of Spain an empire greater far than all - 

The kings and queens of Europe, if combined, 

Possess, — a territory whose vast boundaries 

Imagination cannot grasp. 

To you, your Christian majesties of Spain, 

I tender this new world, the gift of God 

Himself, the King of Kings, whose favor hath 

Enabled me to be His instrument 

In bringing out of darkness into light 

The hidden wonders of the great. 

Mysterious west. I kneel before you now, 

To pay my homage, as the representative 

Of fhose vast territories which you have 

Acquired by right of their discovery. {Kneels^ 

King. — Don Christopher Colombo, 
Admiral of theocean sea, viceroy 
And governor of all the islands late 
Discovered in the Indies, we now join 
With you in thanks to God Almighty, that 
He hath preserved you and our other 
Faithful subjects in those far-off seas. 
And brought you back in safety to 
Our presence. Ferdinand of Arragon '■ 

Now renders thanks to thee, Don Admiral, 
For thy fidelity to this great work 
Committed to thy charge, foi; thine 
Unparalleled devotion, faith and courage. 
We offer our congratulations on thy safe 
Return, and now, as king of Arragon, 
We humbly and most gratefully accept 
The new dominions which, by God's 
Great goodnes? and thy zealous faith. 
We have acquired. 

Queen.r— And Isabella, queen of fair 
Castile, and spouse of royal Ferdinand, 
Records in presence of the King of Kings, 
Her sense of thy great services to uy 
And all mankind; And we, the Sovereign 
Of Castile, in presence of our subjects here 
Assembled, do most reverently ascribe 
To God the glory of this great achievement. 
Which will stand forever as the most 
Illustrious triumph given to any man 



88 COLOMBO. Act III. 

Or nation. Fully do we realize 

The great responsib'Iity now laid 

Upon our throne, to spread the Christian light 

Through those benighted lands, and to 

This glorious work we consecrate 

Our future life. But, Don Colombo, tell 

Us now what perils you encountered on the sea, 

And how you were received on your 

Arrival at the Indies. 

Col. — Most high, most noble and most 
Christian king and queen of Spain, 
When sailing west our voyage was serene; 
'Twas when returning that we met with storms 
Which threatened our destruction. When we reached 
San Salvador the people fled. They thought 
Our ships enormous birds, and in their ey s 
Our men appeared as gods, and, knowing not 
Our purpose, hid themfeelves at first. 
At last they ventured near and, being 
Kindly treated, sought to worship us. 
Your majesties can see by those whom we 
Have brought along, that they are gentle 
And well-formed, but of a race entirely 
Different from any seen before. 

King. — Were fruits abundant there, and were 
There products of the soil in plenty? 

Col. — On every hand kind nature 
Smiled upon the guileless people, 
And with lavish hand poured blessings 
On their heads Hispaniola is an Eden. 
Fish of many kinds abound, and fruits 
Delicious to the taste are seen on every hand. 
The boats are called canoes, and these are made 
From single trees of size so great that one 
Canoe we saw so large it held two hundred men. 

King. —And climate, — how is that? 

Coi. — Surpassed by none in any part of Spaio. 

King. — Can gold be found where you 
Have sailed, good Don Colombo? 

Col. — In many places there were traces 
Of the precious metals, and one river I 
Have named del Oro by reason of the proofs 
That, up the stream, much gold eould there be found. 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 39 

I heard that ten days' westward sail 
Would bring us to a country where 
Such quantities of gold exist that it is used 
For rcrofe of houses. 

Queen.-^From what you saw, is God, 
The true Jehovah, known among the people? 

Co/.— Your majesty, it grieves me much 
To say they know not God. Their gentle hearts 
Can easily be reached, and missionaries there 
Would find a fruitful field. I am convinced 
This is the purpose which the God of Ages had 
In view when He directed your most 
Gracious majesties to send me thither. 

Queen. — The will of God in this is evident, 
And we shall strive with all our might 
To have it carried out. But Don Colombo 
Must be tired, and we shall now excuse 
Him from attendance. To-morrow we 
Shall hear much more of all those wonders 
Which thine eyes have seen. 

( Curtain.) 

ACT IV. 

Scene I. — Room in Governor's House, at San Do- 
mingo. BOBADILLA AT TABLE, CENTRE, GUEVARA 
IN ATTENDANCE. DISCOVERED. 

£ob. — The ships will put to sea 
To-morrow with the dawn. Are all the new 
Indictments 'gainst Colombo 
Ready to be signed? 

Guev. — Most noble governor, they all 
Are ready for your honored signature. 

Sob. — Produce them, then, at once. {Exit Guev. L.) 
The madman's race is nearly run at last. 
No better fortune could have come to me 
Than this. The cipher which he wrote contains • 

Enough to hang him. It shall go to Spain 
With other evidences of his guilt, 
And Martinez will use them all 
To fitting purpose. Little did I think 
The night that Manuel was slain, 



40 COLOMBO. Act IV. 

Or later still, when Ferdinand despatched 
The mountebank the second time, 
With greater honors than before, that I 
So soon would have my full revenge. 

{Re enter Guevara with papers. L.) 

Giiev. — Most noble governor. 
The happy people sing your praise 
On every, hand. But many threats are made 
That, if a chance is given, they 
Will kill Colombo. 

Bob. — He well deserves to suffer at 
Their hands the punishment his cruelty 
Has earned. But they must let the law 
Pursue its course. It were not well that be 
Should suffer death while in my hands. 
The king might, take it ill, and throw 
The blame on me. No, this we must prevent. 
Send f«)r Villejo, captain of the ship. 
And he shall'ta,ke his prisoner on board to-night. 
When thou hast sent the messenger to bring 
V-leji here, then go and bring Colombo. 
I would speak with him. {Exit Guevara, i.) 
I'll see how high the mountebank will hold 
His head, with iron chains about his neck. 
Instead of gold. 
{Begins to sign papers. After pause Guevara enters, 
with Colombo in chains. 72.*) 

Bob. — Guevara, you may go at present. 
But be ready when I call, to bring 
The prisoner back into his cell. {Exit Gtrevara. X.) 
Colombo, how do'st like the ornaments 
Which I have placed around thy neck? 
Art satisfied? 

Col. — A petty soul rejoices in misfortune. 
God is just, and will repay thee for degrading 
Thus a man who never injured thee. 

Bob. — Have never injured mef If I 
Could load thee down with chains until 
Their weight would bend thee to the earth; — 
If I could make thee thirst, like Tantalus, 
With water ever near thy lips; — 
If I could sear your flesh from head 
To foot with iron heated white: — 



Scene I. COLOMBO. 41 

If I could tear your eyes from out 

Their sockets, break each bone in your 

Foul body, wrench your heart from out 

Your breast, and feed it to the dogs; — 

In short, if I could now invent 

A punishment so exquisite 

That even hell would stand appalled, — 

All this would I perform, because I hate thee. 

Col. (Amazed) — What have I done to thee 
That I should merit this? The iiend himself 
Could not be more remorseless. 
And yet I know not how I ever injured thee. 

£ob. — For years my soul has longed 
To crush thee. Once my arm was raised 
To strike thee dead; — another time I passed 
Thee on the street and would have killed thee; 
But ere the blow was struck she came 
Between us, and my hand was stayed. 

Col. {Con founded ) — She! Who was she? 

J^ob. — The woman whom I loved. 
For whom I would have sold my soul, 
And who, if you had not appeared, had been 
My wife— Beatrix Henriquez. 

Col. — Beatrix! Then, I praise the living God 
That she escaped a fate which would 
Have linked her to a human fiend. 
I now do know the reason why 
You hate me. But may God have pity on 
This wretched island when a thing like thee 
Has life or death within its power. 
May God have mercy on the people here. 
{Knocking at door) 

Hob. — Come in. {Enter Guevara L. 

Guev. — Most noble governor. 
The Senor Villejo waits thy pleasure. 

Bob. — Go bring him hither. {Exit Guevara L.) 
{To Colombo) The king will have no mercy 
On thy filthy carcass. If I dared, 
I'd quarter thee before the people whom 
Thou hast so deeply injured. ( Ville,)o has entered with 
Guevara and heard the last sentence.) 

Bob. {Seeing VUlejo) — Guevara, take 



42 COLOMBO. Act IV. 

This murdering villain from my presence. 
( Villejo looks at Colombo toith profound sympathy. 
Their eyes tneet. Colombo smiles resiynedly and 
exit R.) 

Bob. — Villejo, I am told the people 
Threaten to revenge their siifi'erings, 
By slaying that old tyrant when 
The darkness comes. T would not have 
This .'lappen while he's on this island, 
Although he merits death, with torture, too. 
I wish the king to judge his case. 
Convey him, then, and all the other prisoners 
On board your ship at once. 

F^7/.— Don Bobadilla, I will do 
i\s you direct. But, if the people threaten. 
Guards will be required. 

Sob. — I'll order out the troops. 
Be sure that this arch-fiend gets 
No indulgence on the ship. Perhaps,^ 
Before he reaches Spain the other fiend 
Will claim his own. How long before you will 
Be ready to receive him? 

Vill. — In half an hour. But, Senor Bobadilla, 
Here I wish to say you are inflicting 
Needless hardships on this old, defenceless man; 
And, if I do n(»t miss the mark, the king 
Will not indorse the course you take 
In sending Admiral Colombo 'cross 
The ocean chained, as now he is. 

Bob. — I take it that you enter, sir, 
Where angels fear to tread. Much more of this. 
And you yourself will go to Spain in chains. 

Vill — The angels meant must smell 
Of sulphur, for the other kind 
Will never visit you. If vou dislike my words, 
The remedy of gentlemen, if you do know 
What such a title means, is at your service. _ 

[Exit ViLLE.TO L.) 

ScENii: II. — Street ix Granada. 
Enter Garcia and Margarita R. 
Gcvrc. — Sweet Margarita mia, 



Scene II. COLOMBO. 43 

Jacob waited seven years for Rachel; 
Then was cheated, and again he waited 
Seven years. Am I to be like Jacob? 
I will to the queen rayself, and on my knees 
Will plead with her to let me have my own. 

Marg. — Alonzo, if you dare to kneel 
To any other woman than myself, 
You'll pay a penance heavier far 
Than Jacob did for Rachel. 

Garc. — What penance could be heavier than that? 

Marg. — I'll keep you kneeling at my feet 
Until your hair is gray, and then I'll say 
You are too old to marry. 

Garc. — No penance that. I'd see your face. 
And hear your voice. Instead of penance, paradise 
Is held before ray eyes. I'll dye my hair, 
And thus until I die myself I'll gaze 
Into the eyes of her I love. I'll to 
The queen at once. 

Marg. — Small comfort that when I grow old 
And wrinkled. But the penance will 
Be greater still. I'll tie your tongue, — 
A punishment would kill a man in love. 
To make it stronger, I will blind your eyes, 
For then Alonzo cannot make me blush 
When feasting mine with gazing on his face. 
But here comes Beppo, He will teach me how 
To make you patient. {Enter Beppo L ) 

Here Beppo, tell me if you ever were in love. 

Bep. — In love! Ah, yes; I love Colombo. 

Marg. — No, no: good Beppo, that is not 
The kind of love I mean. It is the silly kind. 
Which some men give to women. {Looking archly at 

Garcia.) 
Were you ever thus in love, good Beppo. 

Sep. —Yes, even I was foolish once. I loved a witch. 

Marg. {Starting') — A witch! Good Beppo, what 
Is this you say? A witch! And did the creature 
Truly then bewitch you? Will you tell 
What looked she like? 

Mep. — Fair Donna Margarita, no offence 
Is meant; but, if my memory serves me right, 



44 COLOMBO. Act IV 

She looked like you. 

Marg. — Like me! How dare you say she looked 
Like me, if she was hut a witch? 
Good Beppo, do you tijink that I 
Look like a witch? 

Bep. — She looked like you, because, 
Like you, she was so beautiful. 

Marg. — And yet you say she was a witch. 

T^ep. — I knoxc she was a witch. 

Marg. — How do you know, good Beppo? 

Bep. — Because I know that she bewitched myself. 

Marg. — Well, how did she bewitch you, Beppo? 

Bep. — As lovely women always do bewitch 
The men, — as you bewitch the Don Garcia. 

Garc. — I thank you, Beppo, for the truth 
You speak. I am bewitched and, what is more, 
I love the witch who has bewitched me. 
When the spell was laid on you 
How did you break it? 

Bej:) — I wedded fast the witch. 
And then the spell was broken quick. 
It very often is. 

Marg. — Thou art a traitor, Beppo. This is what 
The Don Garcia wishes now, and I 
Prefer the spell to bold. 

Bep. — Some witches are themselves bewitched. 
In these the charms they hold grow stronger when 
They wed the man bewitched. If both are 'neatb 
The spell, the charms increase as years roll on. 

Garc. — This suits my case in every jot. 
I never heard a cure so clearly to ray liking. 
I am ready now — this very hour, to have 
The witch increase her charms by wedding me. 

Marg. — 'Tis well the witch has royal friends. 
For Beppo will not help her. 

Bep. — I learned the witch's art and found 
A remedy that's always round. 
If this the witch will always wear. 
Her victim long the spell will bear. 

Marg. — Pray name it, Be,>po. 

Bep. — A wedding ring. , 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 45 

Marg. — False Beppo, I had thought 
You were my frieud. 

Bep. — It is because I am your friend 

I wish the spell a happy end. 
Garc. — Sweet Margarita mine, the queen 
Will find another maid. You have confessed 
That she has looked with favor on ray suit, 
And hence will not oppose our union. 
Beppo, here, has pleaded well my cause, 
And in his presence I, too, plead 
That you at once will name the day. 

Marg. (^Blioshing) — I leave it to the queen to say. 
Garc. — I am content. Good Beppo, by your aid 
I gain my suit. I'm more your debtor now, 

For once you dragged me back to life. 
And now your spell wins me a wife. 
Sep. — Poor Beppo, then, a heavy load must carry, 
If he has helped a single man to marry; 
The only hope he has to be forgiven 
Is, if he chance to meet the two in heaven. 
{Exit Beppo L.) 
Marg. — How can we prove that Beppo's in the wrong? 
Garc. — By living happy as the day is long. 

{Exeunt li) 
Scene III.— Reception Room in Royal Palace 
AT Granada 
King and Queen standing before their thrones, 
Colombo kneeling before King. 
Courtiers and Attendants. Discovered. 
King. — Don Admiral Colombo, welcome back 
To Spain. We grieve to hear our royal orders have 
Been wantonly infringed, to thy great detriment. 
Arise. Thy services have had but poor 
Requital, if what we hear be true. 

{Colombo, sobbing, kneels before Qneen>\ 

Queen {Deeply agitated.^ — Don Admiral Colombo, 
Royal tears are seldom shed before the world, 
And royal hearts are said to be of adamant; 
But royalty is human after all. 
And suffering such as yours brings tears 
To royal eyes, unlocks the tide of human 



46 COLOMBO. Act IV 

Sympathy in Isabella's heart, 
And makes the queen of Spain a womcoi. 
Don Christopher Colombo, rise and let 
Us hear the story of your wrongs. 

( Colombo rises and stejjs down from dais.') 

King {Flushing.) — What means that chain around 
Thy neck, Don Admiral Colombo? 
When the tidings came of what had taken place 
Our orders were that you should be unmanacled. 

Col. — Your gracious majesty, your orders were 
Obeyed, and I was freed. But, in my deep 
Disgrace and sorrow, I had vowed that I 
Would wear this chain into the royal presence. 
To remind me of the instability 
Of human glory, and to show 
Your majesties how inhumanity 
Of man to man can break a bruised heart. 

Queen — Remove the chain, Don Admiral, 
And hand it to a servant of the household. 

Col. — Your pardon, gracious queen; 
But I have also vov/ed before the Lord 
That I would keep this chain forever 
As an heirloom. {Removes chain and places it on the 

floor beside him) 

Queen — A vow is sacred. Yours shall be 
Respected. Now proceed, and tell us how 
This shameful deed was done. 

Col. — Your gracious and most 
Powerful majesties, to tell of all 
That's happened in the Indies would 
Take many hours. 'Twould weary yoir, 
I wrote a full account of all events 
Which most concern the public welfare. 
Both in fair Hispaniola and the other 
Islands. This I leave in your possession. 
That a clearer comprehension of the facts 
May thus be gathered. 

King — 'Tis well. Now state in what condition 
Matters were at your departure. 

Col. — Your gracious majesties, 'tis right 
That you should know at once the dangers which 
Have sprung from Bobadilla's course. 
Arriving there without conception 



Scene IIL COLOMBO. 47 

Of the ueeds of such a country he at oace 
Assumed that everythinj;^ that I had done 
Was wrong. Unfortunately many persons 
Of the lowest sort, both criminals 
A-od idle vagabonds, had gone 
From every part of Spain, expecting 
They could gather gold without exertion. 
Disappointed in their hopes, they robbed 
The natives, carried off their women and 
Committed outrages too vile to name. 
The leaders organized and soon defied 
Authority on every hand. Most rigorous 

Measures were required, and thus to painful acts 
Your viceroy then was driven. Hunting down 
Their armed bands we caught the leaders, and 
Of them made stern examples. Some were hanged 
And, when Don Bobadilla reached the scene, 
On either side the river hung the body of 
A leader in the insurrection which had been 
Completely quelled. Accepting this as proof 
Of cruelty of mine he did not then, or since. 
Investigate the facts as you had ordered him 
To do. He read his royal letters patent, 
Ordering me to render up the public 
Property at once. 

King — The royal orders were: — first, 
That he should make a fair investigation; — 
The second was, if guilt in those who wore 
Authority were found, that he should then 
Proclaim his royal license to be governor. 
And third, if need arose, that he should 
Supersede yourself. 

Col — Your royal majesties are noted 
For your love of justice and your wisdom; 
But, with most profound respect 
For royal sapience, your servant humbly 
Would submit, — you offered great temptation, 
When you gave together both the power to make 
Investigation and to supersede. 

King — We see it now. Proceed, Don Admiral. 

Col. — He superseded me at once, 
Then filled your royal letters blank, and sent 
Them to the rebels, greeting them 



48 COLOMBO. Act IV. 

With special favor, and inviting thera 
To corue to San Domingo, which at once 
Was filled with villains., thieves and cutthroats. 
I was absent, but was ordered to appear 
Before him and, on doing so, was loaded down 
With chains and got no hearing. 

King — An outrage too atrocious 
To be overlooked. Strict justice shall be done. 

Col. — Your gracious majesties, no royal act 
Can ever wipe away the shame which I 
Have suffered, nor can punishment 
Of others e'er atone for what I have 
Endured while loaded with these chains. 
Indignities befitting criminals 
Of vilest stamp, were heaped upou the head 
Of him who gave to Spain the greatest 
Empire that the world contains. 
Your royal majesties, in this I make no boast. 
The time was ripe for God's beneficent 
Regard for those benighted creatures 
In the western seas, to take full shape, 
And I was made the instrument 
To execute His will. I waited patiently 
For many years, to do the work to me assigned. 
The great discovery came. Castile 
And Arragou have won an empire; — 
Colombo — shame, disgrace, dishonor. 
Who should bear the blame I know not. 
I am weak and am not free from faults. 
I may have erred, but in the sight of God, 
Who knows the inmost thoughts of human hearts, 
I here declare that never knowingly have I 
Been false to duty, never had one thought 
Disloyal to the highest interests of the king 
And queen of Spain. No matter what 
May henceforth come to me, while life shall last 
I ever shall remember all the kindness which 
Your majesties have heaped upon me. 

Queen — Don Admiral Colombo, words are weak 
When hearts are full. We blush that Spain 
Has been the cause of pain unmerited 
By such a noble soul. But Spain is not 
Ungrateful, and our royal aim shall be 
To prove that we esteem what thou hasi done 



Scene III. COLOMBO. 49 

For Spain and for the human race. 

( The king and queen here rise from their thrones and 

descend steps of dais. Coloinbo kneels and the 

queen takes his hand.) 

Queen — Of this be well assured, — that he, 
Who so misrepresented our authority, 
And, with the malice of a petty spirit, has 
Dishonored thee and thus disgraced the throne 
Of Spain, shall be himself divested 
Of the power he knows not how to use. 
We further pledge our royal word that all 
Thy property shall be restored and thou 
Thyself be reinstated in thy dignities, 
So nobly won. The queen of old Castile 
Calls Don Colombo — friend. 

Col. — Colombo's service and his prayers 
"For ever and for ever shall be yours." 

Curtain. 



COSTUMES. 

King: — Crimson Spanish dress, velvet purple robe, 
trimmed with ermine, crown and jewels, white shoes. (In 
chess game scene, no robe, nor crown.) 

Colombo: — First dress; — plain black Spanish dress, 
with shabby black cloak, hat without feather, black shoes. 
Second dress, — Scarlet Spanish dress, white cloak trim- 
med with gold, black hose and scarlet shoes with buckles, 
hat with feather, sword. 

Sidonia: — Purple Spanish dress, dark green cloak 
trimmed with gold spangles, purple hose, russet shoes, 
buckles, hat, sword. 

Garcia: — Golden brown Spanish dress, yellow cloak 
trimmed with silver spangles, brown hose, buckles, russet 
shoes, hat, sword. 

Manuel: — Green Spanish dress, gold colored cloak, 
green hose, scarlet shoes, buckles, hat, sword. 

Bobadilla: — Black Spanish dress, scarlet cloak trira- 
nied with black fur, black hose, buckles, hat, sword. 

Santangel: — Blue Spanish dress trimmed with lace, 
white cloak, trimmed with silver spangles, white shoes, 
buckles, hat, sword. 

Gutierrez — :Gray Spanish suit, gray hose, black 
shoes, buckles, hat. 

Guevara: — Plain brown Spanish suit, hose, shoes, 
buckles. 

Beppo: — Plain brown suit, plain gray cloak, brown 
"hose, cobbler's apron, black shoes, hat. 

Talavera, Martine'/, Perez and Deza: — All dressed 
as Franciscans. 

Queen: — First dress: — Handsome light blue brocaded 
silk house dress, trimmed with lace, jewelry, blue satin 
slippers. 

Second dress: — Salmon brocaded satin dress, with jewelled 
trimmings, white robe trimmed with ermine and spangles, 
crown, jewels — slippers to match dress. 

Margarita: — Pink silk house gown, trimmed with 
white lace, jewelry, slippers to match dress. Second 
dress: — Dark green silk walking dress, deep cardinal cloak 
with spangled trimmings, black lace mantilla for head 
dress, shoes to match dress. 



Xt07 ^ 



COLOMBO, 

A Drama in Four Acts, 

BY A. E. ROSS, 

Descriptive of the Struggles and Triumphs 

OF THE 

DISCOVERER OF AMERICA. 



PRICE 25 CENTS. 



ARGUS STEAM PRINT, 
ALPENA, MICH. 

1895. 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 



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. „ , /'.v VV ♦^*y'«^* ^ 111 Thomson Park Drive 

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« <&J^ A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION 



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WERT 
OOKBINOINC 

Crantv«le, Pa 
;pp;-Oc( 1985 







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